The 260 Remington, also known as 6.5-08 A-Square, is a centerfire rifle cartridge introduced by Remington in 1997. It was developed by necking down the 308 Winchester case to accept 6.5mm (.264 caliber) bullets, aiming to provide excellent long-range performance with low recoil for hunting and target shooting. Originally a wildcat cartridge, it gained popularity for its flat trajectory and accuracy, making it suitable for medium game at extended distances. This article focuses specifically on ballistics, analyzing external factors like bullet drop, wind drift, and energy retention, as well as wound ballistics for practical terminal performance. Supersonic loads will be examined to give reloaders and hunters a clear understanding of how this cartridge behaves in real-world scenarios. For comparisons to similar rounds, see the 6.5 Creedmoor vs 260 Remington comparison.
Core External Ballistics
The 260 Remington uses different bullet weights and velocities, with supersonic loads (typically 120-140 grains at 2700-2890 fps) offering flat trajectories for hunting and long-range shooting. These rounds behave like efficient 6.5mm cartridges with good energy transfer and low recoil, ideal for medium game. Data sourced from major manufacturers shows significant differences in performance beyond 500 yards. For deeper charts, refer to our 308 Winchester ballistics for comparison, or the caliber selection guide.
Bullet Drop to 1000 Yards
| Range (Yards) | 120gr Supersonic (Drop in inches) | 129gr Supersonic (Drop in inches) | 140gr Supersonic (Drop in inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | -1.5 | -1.5 | -1.5 |
| 100 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 200 | -3.2 | -3.5 | -4.0 |
| 300 | -11.5 | -12.5 | -14.0 |
| 400 | -26 | -28 | -32 |
| 500 | -48 | -52 | -58 |
| 600 | -78 | -85 | -95 |
| 700 | -120 | -130 | -145 |
| 800 | -175 | -190 | -210 |
| 900 | -245 | -265 | -295 |
| 1000 | -330 | -360 | -400 |
These numbers, based on a 100-yard zero, illustrate the 260 Remington‘s strengths at long range. Supersonic loads like the 120gr remain practical to 500 yards for hunting, with manageable drop for ethical shots on deer or pronghorn. Beyond 600 yards, the trajectory arcs sharply, making hits unreliable without precise holdovers or dialed scopes. Realistic ranges for hunting are 400-600 yards, depending on bullet weight and conditions. The caliber’s ballistic limitations begin around 700 yards for precision work, where gravity and air resistance reduce effectiveness. For instance, the 140gr load, with its higher mass, drops more at extended ranges but provides better energy retention. Comparisons show the .260 offers flatter trajectories than 308 Winchester due to higher ballistic coefficients, making it a favorite for long-range enthusiasts. For comparisons, see our 6.5 Grendel ballistics or 308 vs 30-06 comparison.
Wind Drift (10 mph Crosswind)
| Range (Yards) | 120gr Supersonic (Drift in inches) | 129gr Supersonic (Drift in inches) | 140gr Supersonic (Drift in inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 100 | 0.5 | 0.6 | 0.7 |
| 200 | 2.2 | 2.4 | 2.8 |
| 300 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 6.5 |
| 400 | 9.0 | 10 | 12 |
| 500 | 15 | 16 | 19 |
| 600 | 22 | 24 | 28 |
| 700 | 32 | 35 | 41 |
| 800 | 44 | 48 | 56 |
| 900 | 58 | 63 | 74 |
| 1000 | 75 | 82 | 96 |
Heavier bullets like 140gr resist drift better at short ranges due to mass, but their slightly lower velocities increase time-of-flight, amplifying drift beyond 400 yards. The 120gr load, with higher speed, shows less drift initially but requires accurate wind calls at distance. Practical accuracy diminishes after 500 yards in windy conditions, where reading gusts becomes unreliable without advanced tools. For supersonic shooting, expect consistent hits to 600 yards in mild winds; heavier loads perform better in gusts. The .260’s high ballistic coefficients (around 0.5 for 140gr) give it an edge over similar calibers in crosswinds, but field tests highlight the need for calm conditions beyond 400 yards. See our varmint caliber guide for wind-related tips.
Energy Retention
| Range (Yards) | 120gr Supersonic (ft-lbs) | 129gr Supersonic (ft-lbs) | 140gr Supersonic (ft-lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 2066 | 2110 | 1902 |
| 100 | 1770 | 1800 | 1630 |
| 200 | 1510 | 1530 | 1390 |
| 300 | 1280 | 1300 | 1180 |
| 400 | 1080 | 1100 | 1000 |
| 500 | 910 | 930 | 850 |
| 600 | 770 | 790 | 720 |
| 700 | 650 | 670 | 610 |
| 800 | 550 | 570 | 520 |
| 900 | 470 | 480 | 440 |
| 1000 | 400 | 410 | 370 |
Energy decays steadily due to air resistance, dropping below 1000 ft-lbs by 400 yards for heavier loads. Ethical hunting ranges are 400-500 yards on medium game, where energy supports expansion; lighter loads retain velocity better but start with less mass. Certain loads lose effectiveness at distance due to velocity thresholds below 1800 fps for reliable expansion. The 140gr maintains proportional retention thanks to weight, ideal for big game. For more, review our long-range calibers guide.
Terminal & Wound Ballistics
Bullet design is crucial in 260 Remington, as supersonic loads create hydrodynamic shock for rapid incapacitation. The goal here is to provide practical guidance on terminal performance for hunting and defense. For gel-testing insights, explore our bullet reviews.
Bullet Performance Profiles (5 Most Common Loads)
Hornady ELD-X
- Type – Polymer-tipped match-hunting hybrid with heat shield for long-range stability.
- Behavior – Expands at various velocities, penetrating deeply with controlled wound channels in gel tests.
- Use – Suitable for big game at extended ranges, like elk or deer.
- Effective Range – 100-600 yards supersonic.
- Short Summary – Excels in all-range hunting, maintaining accuracy and terminal effects.
More details available in our dedicated Hornady ELD-X profile.
Nosler Ballistic Tip
- Type – Polymer-tipped hunting bullet with lead core for balanced expansion.
- Behavior – Rapid expansion in tissue, creating large cavities with moderate penetration.
- Use – Geared toward deer and similar game where quick energy dump is needed.
- Effective Range – 50-500 yards supersonic.
- Short Summary – Versatile for hunting, balancing expansion and penetration for clean harvests.
More details available in our dedicated Nosler Ballistic Tip profile.
Sierra GameKing
- Type – Precision soft-point for versatile hunting.
- Behavior – Expands reliably in gel, producing consistent wound channels with good penetration.
- Use – Ideal for medium game like deer in varied terrain.
- Effective Range – 100-400 yards supersonic.
- Short Summary – Reliable for ethical hunting with balanced terminal performance.
More details available in our dedicated Sierra GameKing profile.
Barnes TTSX
- Type – All-copper monolithic bullet with expanding tip for controlled expansion.
- Behavior – Expands reliably with deep penetration and high weight retention in gel tests.
- Use – Perfect for medium game like deer or hogs, ethical hunting.
- Effective Range – 100-500 yards supersonic.
- Short Summary – Provides consistent performance for hunters seeking lead-free options with minimal meat damage.
More details available in our dedicated Barnes TTSX profile.
Berger VLD Hunting
- Type – Very low drag hunting bullet for long-range precision.
- Behavior – Fragments and expands in tissue, creating large cavities with moderate penetration.
- Use – Suitable for predators and medium game at extended ranges.
- Effective Range – 150-600 yards supersonic.
- Short Summary – Combines accuracy and terminal power for versatile hunting applications.
More details available in our dedicated Berger VLD Hunting profile.
Practical Summary
For predators like coyotes, the Berger VLD Hunting in supersonic loads fits best with its fragmentation and range. For hogs and deer, opt for Barnes TTSX, Hornady ELD-X, or Nosler Ballistic Tip supersonic for penetration and expansion. Range discipline matters greatly, as the 260 Remington loses energy quickly beyond 500 yards supersonic. Bullet choice defines terminal results more than velocity alone. To dive deeper, read our big game caliber guide.